“On a mission,” Jaddati explains. “In the last few weeks, there’ve been more missions for squads to be called out on.”
I nod.I see…
“There’ve been some traitors,” Uncle Liam says with a heavy sigh. “And that’s caused more damage and attacks.”
“Why doesn’t Old Man Alejandro over here go around and Alpha command everyone into admitting if they are traitors? Even alphas can’t deny that shit, right?” Theo says, I see the flicker of irritation from his brothers at that.
“We are not going to misuse power like that,” Uncle Leo says, his eyes cold.
“Why the fuck not? Is it immoral?” Theo demands with a challenging smirk.
“It’s insulting,” Ares growls.
“Without proof of their crimes, it’s fucked up,” Uncle Leo counters. “We aren’t going to treat our people like that without reason.”
“You’re the boss, but sometimes shits got to be done regardless of whether it’s right or wrong. I mean, I’d do it.” Theo shrugs.
“Leo is right. We can’t do something like that without proof. It will break the bond and trust with the allies we do have,” Uncle Liam says.
There’s silence in the room, and I know some of them might agree with Theo somewhat, but no one sides with him.
Theo looks between the elders before chuckling dryly. “I would do it, who cares if I’m hated?”
“And that’s why you aren’t King,” Ares says.
I want to say something, but I don’t know what, so I remain silent, feeling guilty, but I’m not sure why.
“And you’re favoured by Hades, that makes you questionable,” Katara adds, frowning at him.
That’s not fair. Goddess, I wish I could speak right now. Instead, I remind myself to remain composed. I don’t care what she says to him… right? Right.
“Katara, that was uncalled for,” Uncle Liam says, his voice is calm, but there’s a warning hint to it.
She shakes her head. “Well, I’m not wrong. Hades isn’t good.”
“Neither are other gods. Hades is the reason we got back safely,” Allie points out.
Theo mocks shock. “Damn, am I hearing this right? Is Zombilesandra defending me?”
“Don’t make me hurt you,” Allie snarls at him.
Katara shrugs. “Well, whatever, but the idiot does have a point; we’ve been betrayed by those we considered friends, it might not be a bad idea.”
“The Rossis and Westwoods are not traitors,” Grandpa Alejandro says with full conviction.
“But we do have bad blood in the family… I get where Theo and Leo are coming from; both are valid points. But I wouldn’t shut down Theo’s point just like that,” Mama says. “Endora? Zidane? Are we forgetting theirs is the blood we comefrom?”
“And my biological father,” Aunty Delsanra adds.
Uncle Liam looks at Mama, who looks right back, and there’s almost a silent tension between them, two strong minds who don’t see eye to eye. Their original fight was over right and wrong, too…
Mama raises an eyebrow, almost challenging him to debate, but he simply looks away, remaining silent.
“Thanks,” Theo says to Mama with a smirk, earning a frown from Uncle Liam. “I like you.”
“I think it’s been a long night, and we should all just sleep on it,” Jaddati says. “Trust and faith are vital to building bonds, and we have to respect our subjects.”
“And Sienna will need to be initiated into a pack,” Grandad Elijah says. I look over at Sienna, realising what he meant. Since Jayce marked her, she wouldn’t have automatically rejoined her pack.
